Opposite Hitter Volleyball Position

The volleyball player known as the opposite hitter or right-side hitter, often emerges as the most dominant offensive weapon on the court.

Usually very tall, very strong, and athletic, opposite hitters are positioned on the volleyball court for the sole purpose of blocking and killing the ball.

Having spent a significant amount of time playing this position during my career, I have acquired knowledge about what an opposite hitter does, the essential traits and skills they should possess, and how to improve as a right-side hitter.

In this article, we will delve into the specifics of an Opposite Hitter Volleyball Position role, the necessary traits and skills they should have, and provide tips on how to enhance your performance as a right-side hitter.

So Let’s Start!

What Does An Opposite Hitter Do In Volleyball?

As one of the two main wing attackers, the opposite hitter operates exclusively from the right-hand side of the volleyball court.

Positioned at 2 in the front court and 1 in the backcourt, the opposite hitter strategically adjusts their base position depending on their location on the court.

Characterized by their offensive mindset, opposite hitters are players primarily on the court to secure points for their team.

Opposite Hitters Don’t Usually Pass

Not typically involved in passing, opposites find themselves excluded from the passing lineup when in the back row. 

This is done to allow the outside hitters and libero to handle serve receptions efficiently.

Opposite Hitters Have To Block The Outside Hitter

Matched up against the opposing team’s outside/left side hitter, the opposite/right side hitter assumes a crucial role when in the front court.

One of their primary responsibilities in this position is to block the outside hitter and minimize the effectiveness of the opposing team’s offensive threat.

The magnitude of this responsibility is significant, given that the left-side attacker is often a formidable offensive weapon. Moreover, the left-side attacker consistently operates from the front row, making them challenging to block.

Opposite Hitter Volleyball Position Often Attack From The Back Row

Hitting far more back-row attacks than any other position in volleyball, opposites showcase their versatility and offensive prowess.

Primarily executing the D ball, a right-side attack from the back row, opposites are adept at contributing to their team’s offensive strategy.

The rationale behind this strategy lies in the positioning of the setter, who is in the front court when the opposite is in the back row, providing the team with an expanded array of offensive options.

In this rotation, the setter can opt to dump the ball or set plays for the outside, middle, or opposite hitter, creating a dynamic and multifaceted offensive approach.

Opposites Also Have To Serve & Defend

Requiring proficiency in serving and backcourt defense, opposite hitters demonstrate a well-rounded skill set. Despite their limited involvement in passing, they must possess the ability to dig the ball effectively.

What Are The Strengths Of A Good Opposite Hitter?

Playing against a super dominant opposite hitter in volleyball can be one of the most intimidating experiences, as they frequently outshine other attackers on the court with their superior height, strength, and efficiency.

Great Opposites Are Often Left-handed

When spiking from the right side of the volleyball court, left-handed players experience greater ease in making contact with the ball, as it avoids the need to traverse their entire torso to reach the hitting window.

Similarly, right-handed hitters often express a higher level of comfort when executing spikes from the left side of the court, citing the favorable positioning for effective contact with the ball.

In a recently authored article, I ranked the current top 5 opposite hitters in the world, revealing a noteworthy observation: every single one of them happened to be right-handed.

This phenomenon can be attributed, in part, to the prevalence of right-handed volleyball players. However, it’s interesting to note that there exists a disproportionate representation of left-handed players in roles such as opposite hitter or setter.

Opposite Hitters Are Usually Really Tall

Generally speaking, opposites hold the distinction of being the second-tallest player on the volleyball court, their height only marginally shorter than that of the middle blocker.

This height is a crucial factor, primarily stemming from the blocking responsibilities assigned to opposite hitters.

The opposing team’s outside hitter, often highly skilled, consistently attacks from the front row when the ball is set to the left side. Consequently, having a tall player in the opposite role with an impressive block height becomes imperative.

 The remaining rationale behind the considerable height of opposites lies in their frequent utilization of the D Ball, a back-row attack executed from the right side of the court.

To effectively execute a kill from the back row, opposites must make high-contact spikes, not only ensuring offensive success but also aiding in evading potential blocks.

Great Opposites Are Strong, Powerful, & Athletic

Not confined to height alone, opposites are frequently characterized by their exceptional athleticism.

The efficacy of an opposite hitter in both blocking and spiking is intricately linked to their ability to achieve higher jumps.

 Additionally, possessing a robust and explosive upper body is crucial for delivering powerful hits, proving especially advantageous when executing attacks from the back row.

How Important Is The Opposite Hitter?

Having a proficient opposite hitter on your team contributes significantly to the depth of your offensive strategy.

If your opponent possesses the skill to execute the D ball effectively and successfully kill the ball from the back row, it enables the team to implement rotations with a front-court setter, thereby expanding offensive options.

Defensively, an opposite hitter with exceptional blocking abilities can create substantial challenges for the opposing outside hitter.

Conversely, if your opposite hitter lacks strength, your offense may become overly reliant on the outside hitter, potentially making it challenging to neutralize the opposition’s offensive capabilities.

Is Opposite Hitter A Good Position In Volleyball?

 Personally, being a big fan of the opposite hitter position, I appreciate the fact that passing the ball isn’t a prominent requirement. My proficiency in hitting from the right side adds to the enjoyment of playing this position.

 The unique challenge of executing back-row attacks is something I find particularly enjoyable, and once you get the hang of it, it becomes a satisfying aspect of the game.

 If you have a fondness for frequent hitting and blocking, the opposite position can offer a fun and engaging playing experience.

 On the other hand, if you struggle with hitting from the right side of the court, this position may not be as appealing or enjoyable for you.

Should I Be An Opposite Hitter?

Despite the enjoyable aspects of playing the opposite hitter position, it may not be a suitable match for the vast majority of volleyball players due to its demands for a fairly rare set of physical attributes to excel in this role.

Physical Attributes Of An Opposite Hitter

Being in a highly physical position, success at the highest level as an opposite hitter requires fitting a specific set of criteria.

Adequate Height

At the highest level of the game, the average height for a male opposite hitter is 6’8.5″ (204.5cm), while for females, it stands at 187cm or 6’1″.

These height requirements are consistently mirrored in the average heights observed in college volleyball.

 Consequently, the stringent height standards essentially limit the pool of individuals with a realistic chance of succeeding in the role of opposite hitter at the highest level to a mere 0.1% of the population.

While playing the position recreationally or at a lower level offers more flexibility in height requirements, it remains a role predominantly suited to taller players.

Being Left Handed Is A Big Bonus

Having a left-handed orientation as an opposite hitter presents a significant advantage, primarily because the ball doesn’t need to cross the entire body to reach the hitting window, as mentioned earlier.

This advantage is akin to the comfort right-handed individuals might feel when hitting from the left side of the court, emphasizing the impact of hand dominance on hitting preferences.

While being left-handed is a notable advantage, it’s essential to recognize that towering height holds far more significance in this role.

Notably, the current top 5 opposite hitters in the world are all right-handed, highlighting that while being a lefty can be beneficial, it is not a necessary prerequisite for success in this position.

Athleticism & Jumping Ability

 In the opposite position, being exceptionally tall and lanky is not sufficient; the ability to jump and hit the ball with power is equally crucial.

Improving your vertical jump becomes a key factor in enhancing both blocking and spiking abilities, offering a valuable means to compensate for not possessing an extraordinary height.

What Do Coaches Look For In An Opposite Hitter?

If you’re determined to pursue the role of an opposite hitter, especially with aspirations of playing college volleyball and securing a sports scholarship, it’s essential to evaluate your marketability as an athlete.

 Additionally, if your long-term goal involves playing professionally in the role of an opposite hitter, understanding and enhancing your marketability becomes even more critical.

Opposite Hitter Recruitment Guidelines

Taking a quick look at what scouts and coaches prioritize when assessing opposite hitters.

Jumping Ability & Arm Length

The following figures pertain to women’s volleyball, sourced from the NCSA website.

The accuracy of these numbers is often questionable, as it seems improbable for the block jump and attack jump to be the same height. It’s advisable to approach the provided information with a degree of skepticism.

While men’s recruiting guidelines are not publicly available, I would suggest that a spike height of 345cm serves as a solid starting point for a D1 collegiate opposite.

Ideally, as you progress through your college career, aiming for a spike height of at least 350cm would be a noteworthy goal.

Additionally, a block reach of 335cm or more would prove advantageous. These benchmarks are derived from national program standards in Australia and the performance metrics of elite-level opposites I’ve had the opportunity to train with in the past.

Height

In the realm of sports scholarships for volleyball, height has become an increasingly significant factor, carrying more weight than ever in the evaluation process.

This emphasis on height is particularly pronounced in the role of an opposite hitter, as discussed earlier for various reasons.

Experience

To be considered by recruiters, a significant amount of club volleyball experience is essential—ideally, 2-5 years of competitive play at a decent level. 

Demonstrating on-court proficiency is crucial, showcasing your understanding of the game.

How To Be A Better Opposite Hitter

To become a better opposite hitter, focus on enhancing the key attributes that define a great opposite: physical prowess, athleticism, skilled spiking ability, and dominance in blocking. 

Simplifying the approach, let’s delve into the 20% of efforts that yield 80% of results. 

The following are the four most crucial aspects that merit your time and dedication to elevate your performance as an opposite hitter.

1. Hit The Ball More (From The Right Side)

In the quest to improve your hitting as an opposite hitter, the fundamental half of the equation lies in your ability to strike the ball effectively. 

The straightforward solution? Hit more balls. 

This simplicity extends to partnering with a setter, urging them onto the court for additional practice sessions each week. 

For an optimal practice experience, finding another hitter to engage in blocking while you take your shots is ideal. 

In this collaborative effort, both of you can alternate roles. 

Crucially, avoid mere motions; instead, approach each practice with a deliberate and intense focus to make tangible progress.

Formulating a strategic plan to enhance your hitting skills as an opposite hitter can significantly contribute to your overall performance. Begin by targeting specific shot placements during practice. 

• Hit 5 balls sharp down the line
• Hit 15 balls at the back right corner
• Hit 5 balls sharp cross court
• Hit 15 balls into the back left corner

In the pursuit of refining your skills as an opposite hitter, an integral aspect is to minimize instances of being blocked. 

As a key component of your strategic plan, set a clear objective: never allow yourself to be stuffed by the block. Incorporate specific drills into your routine, focusing on hitting 5-15 balls intentionally high off the hands of the block. 

This targeted practice not only enhances your offensive capabilities but also contributes to the overall improvement of your hitting technique. 

Importantly, there are minimal barriers to obtaining more hitting repetitions—simply gather a net, a setter, and a like-minded hitter/blocker willing to join in the quest for improvement.

2. Increase Your Vertical Jump

As a right-side hitter, the ability to jump becomes crucial, particularly if height isn’t a natural advantage. 

While some individuals may possess innate springiness, the majority of players need to actively work on their vertical jump. 

In your strength and conditioning routine, the primary objective should be to maximize your spike height. 

Achieving this goal is especially significant for those aspiring to play volleyball at the international level. Male opposite hitters should ideally aim for a spike height exceeding 350cm, while women should target 320cm. 

Concurrently, training your upper body is essential to enhance your hitting power, contributing to an all-encompassing approach in elevating your performance on the volleyball court.

3. Practice The Back Row Attack

Being an opposite hitter entails frequent situations where you’ll find yourself executing back-row attacks more than any other position. 

A crucial skill to master in this context is the D ball—a back-row attack from the back/right zone of the court. 

While conducting your hitting drills, ensure that your practice routine is not limited to front/right side hits. 

Collaborate with your setter to incorporate numerous back-row attacks, providing ample opportunities to refine this specific shot. 

Emphasize making clean, high contact with the ball, directing your hits precisely into the back meter of the court. 

This focused approach will contribute to your proficiency in executing effective back-row attacks as an opposite hitter.

4. Develop Your Jump Serve

Configured perfectly for a potent top-spin jump serve, opposite hitters possess the ideal physical attributes for mastering this impactful skill. 

Tapping into the advantage of height and power generation, often seen in tall players like middle blockers and opposite hitters, positions them as prime candidates for the best jump serves. 

The key lies in contacting the ball at a higher point with greater force than other players. 

Dedicate additional practice time each week to hone your jump serve, and over time, it may evolve into a formidable weapon in your arsenal, earning you numerous points. 

This proficiency significantly enhances your value as a dynamic asset on the volleyball court.

Also Read: How Tall Are Outside Hitters In Volleyball 2024?